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Taking Action & Resources

We encourage all members of our community to become educated about sharks, and then advocate for them. The first, best step is to become educated, and so we suggest:

Thoroughly reading through our website and resources
Both anglers and non-anglers should take the free, online FWC Shore-based Shark Fishing Course
Download a copy of our Shark Card with best fishing practices

What else can you do?

If you are an angler, please take the time to do the following:

Learn to identify local shark species
Know the laws as to which species are harvestable and which are prohibited
Take the mandatory Shore-based Shark Fishing Course
Review the Best Fishing Practices: Safe Catch & Release
Advocate for sharks: encourage other anglers to fish responsibly

Anyone that sees a shark in trouble, or that is being mishandled, should immediately take action:

Call the nonemergency Sanibel Police number and report your concern: 239-472-3111
Call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and report your concern: 888-404-3922, Ext. 7
Document your concern with FWC online
Take photos/videos of the situation if you can safely do so, and submit those photos to FWC and to Coastal Watch (coastalwatch@sanibelseaschool.org)
Urge the U.S. Senate to pass S. 877 to put an end to the Shark Fin Trade. Click here to learn more and email your senators.

Photo: Michael Timm

Resources:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

To take the Shore-based Shark Fishing Course and obtain your Fishing Permit
For local regulations, as well as which sharks are harvestable and those that are prohibited

Florida Department of State Laws for Sharks and Rays